Are cartridge cases removed from the cylinder/chamber of arevolver/pistol examined?
A: No; however, exceptions may be granted under special case circumstances with supervisor approval.
Are tool mark examinations still performed?
A: No, FDLE no longer conducts this analysis however, the FBI can be contacted about potential examination of violent crime cases.
Can a trigger pull measurement be taken?
A: Yes, in certain cases in which accidental discharge or mechanical failure is suspected and with Supervisor approval.
Do all NIBIN potential associations notifications need to besent back in for direct comparison confirmation?
A: No. Confirmations will only be conducted if the information is needed for arrest/search warrants or for court purposes.
Do you examine revolvers?
A: Revolvers are only accepted for examination in violent crime cases. For non-violent cases, exceptions can be granted at the request of an Assistant State Attorney or through supervisor approval.
Do you have a database for fired bullets?
A: No, the NIBIN database is only for fired cartridge cases.
Do you only accept 5 items from examination?
A: No. There is no limit to the number of items you can submit for firearms analysis; however, please work with us for submission of the best evidence. Any evidence agreed upon to be relevant and within submission criteria can be examined.
Do you still perform gunshot residue detection/distancedetermination on clothing?
A: Yes, on victim's clothing only containing a bullet hole and submitted with the suspected firearm with sufficient unfired ammunition available for testing. Supervisor approval is needed.
Does a victim have to be hit for cartridge cases to be eligiblefor NIBIN entry?
A: No, any case in which a suspected crime was committed can be submitted.
Does NIBIN search the entire country on every case?
A: No, current cases submitted to FDLE are automatically searched against the entire State of Florida. Other regions can be searched upon special request.
Is GSR testing of the hands still performed?
A: No, FDLE no longer conducts this analysis but can provide a list of private vendors upon request.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Mark Glass, Commissioner
